Caitlin Clark’s former college coach has heaped accolades on the basketball prodigy for her leadership attributes as the Iowa Hawkeyes grapple with form. The 22 year old phenom has been lighting up the WNBA, shattering rookie records and storming into the playoffs first try.
Spearheading the Fever in both points and assists, she toppled previous rookie scoring records and notched a historic first-player triple-double. While the Hawkeyes sorely miss her court magic, Coach Jan Jensen of Iowa is most bereft of Clark’s commanding presence.
After a lukewarm 12-4 start teetering to a 2-3 record in the beefed-up Big 10 league, Jensen lamented over a “lack of senior leadership”, pinpointed by FOX, during an uncomfortable run of back-to-back league losses—not seen since Clark’s formative college days.
A youthful squad being part of their woes, the head coach expressed: “I can’t afford to compare what has happened in the past, because these guys are giving me a lot and they’re still young, and I have to develop a little bit of senior leadership or upperclassman leadership, because that is what we’re missing.”
With Clark’s cool-headed approach and seasoned veneer, it’s plausible to deduce her guiding hand is the missing link for the Hawkeyes as she translated her adept grace under fire to WNBA courts, reaping a stunning freshman season haul.
During her four-year stint at Iowa, the point guard shattered the NCAA’s all-time scoring record for both men and women, leading her team to two NCAA championships. Her remarkable impact on the Hawkeyes was such that they are set to retire her iconic number 22 jersey next month.
The Hawkeyes have planned a ceremony to hoist Clark’s jersey to the rafters of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena in honour of one of the league’s most successful players. The event, scheduled for February 2, will be broadcast by FOX, with Clark expected to be present.
This ceremony and Jensen’s words truly encapsulate the significant influence this young athlete has had on her sport, indicating a promising future for Clark.
